Bakersfield news

• Standard & Poor's downgrades Kern County to negative

  03-02-2015 23:50
  
  Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook to negative from stable on KernCounty, Calif.'s existing certificates of participation (COPs) and pension obligation bonds (POB). At the same time, Standard & Poor's also affirmed its 'A+' long-term rating on the county's COPs and pension obligation bonds.
  "The negative outlook reflects our view of the county's projected $27 million budget shortfall in fiscal 2016, primarily due to falling oil prices," sai
  
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• Are you ready for tiny house living?

  03-02-2015 23:26
  
  The tiny house movement is about sacrificing square footage and physical belongings for more freedom. Are you ready to join in?
  
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• Police release car photos from deadly hit-and-run crash

  03-02-2015 23:15
  
  Police on Tuesday released photos of a car involved in a suspected hit-and-run crash, with hopes of getting a better idea of how everything unfolded.
  
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• ROBIN PAGGI: Give employees a second chance, but document problems, too

  03-02-2015 23:09
  
  In his article "Hire Slow, Fire Fast" on www.forbes.com, Patrick Hull tells readers that "if a person that you hire is not working out, don't hesitate to move on quickly...I know many businesses that took time to try and change someone. I haven't seen it be successful. People don't change." I disagree.
  
  As an HR consultant, I have coached a number of clients' employees
  
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• Police seek answers in fatal hit-and-run

  03-02-2015 23:06
  
  Investigators are still trying to piece together the events leading up to the death of a 22-year-old man.
  
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• Song from McFarland Movie to be performed at Grammys

  03-02-2015 22:54
  
  Latin rock star Juanes will be singing again at the Grammy Awards, but this time it will be a song of his own, in Spanish. 
  
  The Colombian singer-songwriter, who in 2013 sang an English-Spanish version of Elton John's "Your Song," says appearing on the telecast again on Sunday is like a dream come true.
  
   ‘I'm very excited. I can't believe this is going to happen. You know, I've been waiting for this moment for many years and we are very excited now that it's a
  
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• 'First Look': ADAKC reaches $2 million mark, fundraising continues

  03-02-2015 22:42
  
  Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia. The symptoms of alzheimer's become more evident as a person ages, however they may occur as early as age 40 and the risk doubles every five years beyond age 65.
  
  "Someone who is living with alzheimer's has the mentality of a 5 to 7 year old child," said Robin McGarrah with the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County
  
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• Women still pay more for these things

  03-02-2015 22:39
  
  It's 2015....not 1958.   
  
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• Man guilty of murder in 2013 killing

  03-02-2015 21:58
  
  A man on trial for murdering a teen in 2013 was convicted by a Kern County Jury Tuesday morning.
  
  
  Eddie Rivas, 20, was convicted of second degree murder in the death of Mia Ramirez, 18.
  
  
  Detectives say Ramirez's body was badly mutilated when it was found in a rolled up carpet inside a garage on Vista St.
  
  
  A sentencing date has not been st but Rivas faces 30 years to life in prison plus an additional 6 years.
  
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• Drought vow victory: Californians use 22 percent less water

  03-02-2015 21:43
  
  Thanks to a rainy December, California's drought-suffering residents met Gov. Jerry Brown's call to slash water consumption by 20 percent for the first time last month, using 22 percent less water than in December 2013.
  
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• Californians use 22 percent less water, but more cuts loom

  03-02-2015 21:43
  
  December's rains enabled Californians to finally meet Gov. Jerry Brown's call for a 20-percent reduction in monthly water consumption, but more restrictions loom as the state adapts to long-term drought conditions.
  
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• Juanes to perform song from 'McFarland, USA' at Grammys

  03-02-2015 21:32
  
  "The inspiration (for the song) comes from the movie itself, the idea that when people work together and when people believe in ... (each) other anything can be possible," said Juanes, who co-wrote it with fellow Colombian Fonseca and Cuban Descemer Bueno, under the production of renowned Dominican singer, songwriter and producer Juan Luis Guerra, also a Grammy winner.
  
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• Man accused of running off with teen admits they had sex

  03-02-2015 21:30
  
  A man charged with stealing a 13 year old girl admits he had been having sex with the teen for months. 
  
  In a probable cause document filed in Kern Superior Court, Aaron Weirich, 28, told detectives after his arrest that he had been having sexual intercourse with the victim continuously since the first week of November 2014.
  
  Kern County Deputies say Weirich took off with the teen Bakersfield girl January 19th.
  
  The pair were spotted in San Bernadino county and were eventually
  
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• Man accused of running of with teen admits they had sex

  03-02-2015 21:30
  
  A man charged with stealing a 13 year old girl admits he had been having sex with the teen for months. 
  
  In a probable cause document filed in Kern Superior Court, Aaron Weirich, 28, told detectives after his arrest that he had been having sexual intercourse with the victim continuously since the first week of November 2014.
  
  Kern County Deputies say Weirich took off with the teen Bakersfield girl January 19th.
  
  The pair were spotted in San Bernadino county and were eventually
  
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• Driver in fatal hit and run charged

  03-02-2015 21:16
  
  The man accused in the fatal hit and run over the weekend has officially been charged.
  
  
  Joselito Meza , 25, was arrested for the crash on Buena Vista Road.
  
  
  Meza has now been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing bodily injury and hit and run resulting in death.
  
  
  Meza called police after the crash and told them he had been carjacked.
  
  
  Bakersfield police say that never happened. They say Meza hit and killed the victim Miguel Aldaco, 22, sometime after
  
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• FREE dog microchipping Feb. 7

  03-02-2015 20:52
  
  The City of Bakersfield Animal Control Division would like to invite the community to a low cost vaccination, licensing and microchip clinic for dogs living within the city limits. 
  
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• City announces low cost clinic for dogs

  03-02-2015 20:42
  
  The City of Bakersfield Animal Control Division would like to invite the community to a low cost vaccination, licensing and microchip clinic for dogs living within the city limits.
  
  The clinic will be held at Jefferson Park at 801 Bernard Street, Saturday, February 7 2015, from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
  
  The rabies vaccinations will be offered to all dogs 3 months of age and older.
  
  The vaccine cost is reduced, however; the licensing fees are regular price.
  
  Microchips will be o
  
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• Report: Silicon Valley tech economy booming

  03-02-2015 20:35
  
  A new study shows Silicon Valley's tech economy is still booming, with 58,000 new jobs and 42,000 new residents last year and all indications the record growth will continue.
  
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• Safely Surrendered Baby Law: 'I'm so proud that his mom chose life for him'

  03-02-2015 20:25
  
  Local officials are marking Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month.
  
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• February is Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month

  03-02-2015 20:25
  
  Local officials are marking Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month.
  
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• WB Panama Lane to be closed until April

  03-02-2015 20:22
  
  Westbound slow lanes of Panama Lane between Gosford Rd. to Highway 99 will be closed periodically on Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the beginning of April.
  
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• Black History Month Luncheon announced

  03-02-2015 19:56
  
  The public is invited to come and Celebrate the 4th Annual Black History Luncheon at Plaza Towers/Annex February 19th at 11:00AM . There will be guest speakers, African Dancers, Spritual guest speakers and The Big River Band ! We will be providing lunch.
  
  Tickets are $6.00 for dinner and raffle tickets will be $1 each
  
  Please RSVP by the 10th.
  
  If you should have any questions please contact Shriley Marzett at (661) 837-9705 or (661) 343-3641.
  
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• Kern County shelter dogs saved with Wings of Rescue

  03-02-2015 19:54
  
  The Kern County shelter dogs were flown by volunteer pilots to areas in the Pacific Northwest, where the dogs will get homes.
  
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• County raises awareness on Safe Surrender Program

  03-02-2015 19:44
  
  For most people, the birth of a child is a happy occasion celebrated with family and friends. But for some women, childbirth becomes a crisis and the decisions made following an infant’s birth can be a matter of life or death for the child. Again this year, the Safely Surrendered Baby Coalition is planning a series of events throughout Kern County to bring attention to this important law. On Tuesday,February 3rd, the Kern County Board of Supervisors will proc
  
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• High-speed rail meeting Tuesday night in Wasco

  03-02-2015 19:38
  
  The High-Speed Rail Authority and the city of Wasco are co-hosting a design aesthetics workshop for the California high-speed rail project.
  
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• Truck company needs more time to find new truck

  03-02-2015 19:26
  
  A local family-owned trucking company may have been dealt a final blow because of tough new state pollution standards.
  
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• Police looking for woman shoplifter

  03-02-2015 19:26
  
  The Bakersfield Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect and suspect vehicle wanted for Theft.
  
  On January 8, 2015, at 6:05 pm, the suspect entered the Sears department store located at 3001 Ming Av., selected numerous items and left the store without paying for the merchandise.
  
  The suspect is described as a: hispanic female, 30’s, shoulder length dark hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
  
  She fled t
  
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• KHSD students to get new days off from class

  03-02-2015 19:18
  
  The KHSD makes some major changes to its student attendance calender for 2015-16 school year.
  
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• Multiple injured in crash on SR-43 at Cecil Ave

  03-02-2015 19:17
  
  Several people were injured after the vehicle they were traveling in rolled off the roadway.
  
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• 2 arrested in stabbing

  03-02-2015 19:11
  
  Two men were arrested for stabbing another man, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
  
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• 200 local pets to take life-saving flight

  03-02-2015 19:01
  
  The first event is tomorrow morning (Tuesday, February 3rd) at 7:30 at Epic Jet Center at Meadows Field Airport. 
  
  Kern County Animal Services, Marley's Mutts and Unity Thrift of Taft will be loading animals onto the flight with Wings of Rescue.  
  
  
  The dogs will be flown by volunteer pilots to areas in the Pacific Northwest where they will have new homes waiting for them.  Kern County shelters are working together to help save the lives of unwanted
  
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• Four critical after Highway 43 rollover

  03-02-2015 17:36
  
  UPDATE: 8:53am
  
  Tulare County fire tells CHP that 1 patient was trasported by ground ambulance to Delano Regional Medical Center and 4 others were taken by ambulance to Kern Medical center. One patient was airlifted to KMC.
  
  CHP says Highway 43 will be closed just north of the county line for a while and they are asking drivers to avoid the area.
  
  
  Four people people suffered major injuries in a rollover crash on Highway 43, just north of the Kern County line in Tulare.
  
  E
  
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• BPD: Woman stole numerous items from Sears

  03-02-2015 17:32
  
  The Bakersfield Police Department is asking the community for help in identifying and locating a woman they say stole numerous items from the Sears department store located at 3001 Ming Avenue.
  
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• Concerns over Site Resource Teachers in Delano

  03-02-2015 09:02
  
  Many teachers packed another Delano Union School District meeting Monday night as educators prepare for more change.  Last month, district leaders voted to appoint someone to fill the vacancy on its board instead of holding a special election to save money.
  
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• Finally a market in downtown Bakersfield

  03-02-2015 08:46
  
  Since the closure of downtown markets like the Green Frog and Fikes Market, residents of Downtown Bakersfield have been missing the convenience of shopping locally.  Monday, a new market opened it's doors looking to fill the void.  
  
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• Residents rank future Mesa Marin additions

  03-02-2015 05:39
  
  Based on a survey of residents, a recirculating spray park that would be the only one in Bakersfield and a shade structure have been put on the "To Do" list in Mesa Marin Sports Complex's expansion.
  
  There currently isn't money for either in the sports park's $2.5 million second phase, which is expected to go out to bid in June or July and start being built this fall.
  
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• The Super Bowl Experience Part 2

  03-02-2015 04:17
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield's own Brent McClanahan played eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, making three Super Bowl appearances. He never got to hoist the Lombardi trophy but he did get three NFC Championship rings out of it. And now, he gets to show off those rings to his students at South High School in Bakersfield, where he's been enjoying life after the NFL.
  
  
  "I've been at south now going on 20 years in this classroom. I love it.the kids love me, I get along with every
  
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• Where have all the blue mailboxes gone?

  03-02-2015 04:10
  
  Little blue mailbox, wonder if you'll have the next letter
  
  Little blue mailbox, wonder if you'll ever make me feel better
  
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• California bill could raise smoking age to 21

  03-02-2015 04:03
  
  California could make history and become the first state to raise the smoking age to 21.
  
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• Police: If you get unsolicited check, tear it up to avoid getting scammed

  03-02-2015 03:55
  
  Bakersfield police get multiple cases like this a day and it is almost impossible to track down the scammers, because they are usually from huge criminal enterprises.
  
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• Business roundup: homebuying, oil field solar power, mortgage assistance

  03-02-2015 03:28
  
  A new ranking places Kern fifth among California counties where buying a home generally makes better financial sense than renting.
  
  SmartAsset, a financial advice company, concluded Kern's average monthly mortgage payment ($825), combined with its average monthly rent ($1,274) means homebuyers can "break even" on their investment in 3.9 years -- 5 percent better than sixth place Kings Count
  
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• Oliver trial: Kern taxpayers spend big on high-profile case

  03-02-2015 03:26
  
  "Expert witnesses can be crucial in rebutting and answering the government's allegations and providing the jury with information ranging from medical cause of death to information relating to how gangs operate or what's involved in drug sales," said Kern County Public Defender Konrad Moore.
  
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• Bakersfield correctional facility to house detainees

  03-02-2015 03:23
  
  A private prison in downtown Bakersfield will be reopened later this year as a detention center for immigration detainees.
  
  The GEO Group finished renovating the Mesa Verde Correctional Facility on Golden State Avenue late last year and will begin taking detainees in the second quarter of this year, it said in a press release on its website.
  
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• Commission says $13B lost in mental health

  03-02-2015 03:16
  
  A report by the Little Hoover Commission calls out California counties saying they're misusing billions of dollars from tax payers.
  
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• One Classroom at a Time: Anamariska Caldera and Seibert Elementary School

  03-02-2015 03:12
  
  The One Classroom at a Time program has been awarding grants since 2006.
  
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• One Classroom at a Time: Anamariksa Caldera and Seibert Elementary School

  03-02-2015 03:12
  
  The One Classroom at a Time program has been awarding grants since 2006.
  
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• Jury selection beginning this week in retroactive competency trial for convicted murderer

  03-02-2015 02:08
  Jury selection for a retrospective competency hearing to determine whether convicted murderer Christopher Charles Lightsey was competent to stand trial in 1994 is expected to be completed Thursday, or by Feb. 9 at the latest.
  
  The trial is expected to last no later than Feb. 20, the judge hearing the case said Monday, the first day potential jurors filled out questionnaires. Lightsey will be returned to d
  
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• Driver in stolen pickup tries to hit LA County deputy

  03-02-2015 01:53
  
  Authorities say the driver of a stolen pickup truck tried to run down a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy, who opened fire, but nobody was hurt and the motorist escaped.
  
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• California police probe swastika graffiti as hate crime

  03-02-2015 01:51
  
  While detectives investigate spray-painted swastikas on a University of California, Davis off-campus Jewish fraternity house as a hate crime, a Muslim civil liberties group has come out in solidarity with the Jewish community.
  
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• County jail populations dip after voter-approved measure

  03-02-2015 01:40
  
  Inmate populations are falling in once-overcrowded California county jails since voters decided in November that certain drug and property crimes should be treated as misdemeanors instead of felonies.
  
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